ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Culture
Prime Minister to inaugurate Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology tomorrow in Greater Noida, UP
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology tomorrow, on 9th March, 2019 at 12:00 noon at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Minister of State  of Culture & MoS of Environment & Forest Dr. Mahesh Sharma will also attend the event. The Prime Minister will also unveil the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya installed in the premises of the Institute. The foundation stone of the Institute Building was laid by the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh on 28th October, 2016 during the celebrations of 100th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
The Institute of Archaeology  is an academic wing of ASI under the Ministry of Culture. In the Institute , the students are provided with a supportive, enthusiastic and challenging academic atmosphere which enables them to achieve their full potential in the field of Archaeology. The Institute conducts professional workshops in different fields of archaeology. The foremost aim of this Institute is to provide an opportunity to students to achieve excellence in their passionate fields of archaeology.
The state-of-the-art institute, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 289 crore is spread in over 25 acres. The 3 star ultra modern green building of the Institute is equipped with all latest technologies. The Institute comprises of an auditorium with seating capacity of 1000 people, an open air theatre and an Archaeological Museum.
The Institute of Archaeology  under Archaeological Survey of India  imparts training in Archaeology and allied archaeological activities. In 1985, the Institute was shifted to a colonial structure at 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi and later on to Red Fort, Delhi. It was realized that the space available at the Institute is far from adequate to accommodate its ever-growing demands of a self contained multi-disciplinary Institution for imparting training, pursuing research, archaeological and excavation related studies/activities. To carry out training research and study of archaeology and related activities in a full-fledged manner, ASI purchased 25 acres of land at Greater Noida at a cost of Rs.4.77 crore for construction of complex for Institute of Archaeology.
In 1959, the School of Archaeology was started by ASI under the directorship of the renowned archaeologist Shri B.B. Lal. The School of Archaeology transformed to Institute of Archaeology in 1983 as per R.N. Mirdha Committee Report.
NB/PS
(Visitor Counter : 1410
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.66 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
198 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 60,313
Active cases stand at 0.13%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.68%
6,313 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,42,35,772
9,111 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
92.41 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,08,436 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
President's Secretariat
President of India addresses 8th Convocation of Guru Ghasidas University
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressed the 8th convocation of Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the main objective of education is not only to get a degree but also to become a good person. Incorporation of moral values into education is necessary because education without moral values cannot be beneficial for the society. It is the duty of every university to inculcate values like honesty, discipline, tolerance and respect for law among students. Only then students will become true citizens of a democratic country.
Click here to see President's speech
Ministry of Defence
VISIT OF AIR MARSHAL VIBHAS PANDE, AIR OFFICER COMMANDING IN CHIEF HEADQUARTERS MAINTENANCE COMMAND TO AIR FORCE STATION BANI CAMP FROM 16 TO 17 MAR 2023
Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Headquarters Maintenance Command along with Mrs. Ruchira Pande, President Air Force Family Welfare Association  [AFFWA] visited Air Force Station Bani Camp from 16 to 17 Mar 2023.
On arrival to the Air Force Station, the dignitaries were received by Air Commodore KN Santosh, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bani Camp and Mrs. Rita Santosh, President AFFWA . The Air Marshal then visited various sections of the Station and interacted with the Station personnel. He appreciated the efforts put in by the Station to achieve the designated Op tasks and asserted the need to continue striving towards producing quality work.
Mrs. Ruchira Pande visited various welfare ventures run by AFFWA  such as Play School, Thrift Shop and reviewed activities conducted by these entities. She also interacted with Sanginis and appreciated their contribution in successful execution of AFFWA activities, at local and regional levels.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves 5% additional DA/DR due July, 2019
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance  to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief  to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2019 representing an increase of 5% over the existing rate of 12% of the Basic pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
This will benefit about 49.93 lakh Central Government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners.
The additional financial implication on account of this increase in Dearness Allowance is estimated at Rs 8590.20 Crore per year; and Rs 5726.80 Crore in the current Financial Year of 2019-20 .
The additional financial implication on account of the Dearness Relief to pensioners is estimated to be Rs 7319.15 Crore per annum and Rs 4870 Crore in the current FY.
Dear Allowance/Dearness Relief is paid to Central Government employees/pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance/Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from 1st January and 1st July.
Ministry of Textiles
Epchcancels 49th Edition Of IHGF-Delhi Fair Spring -2020
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts  has cancelled the 49th edition of IHGF – Delhi Fair Spring-2020in view of present status of COVID-19 in India and abroad. Director General of EPCH, Rakesh Kumar said that as the nation is in a state of lock down, it has become unviable to organize a show of such magnitude in near future.
Earlier,the fair scheduled to be held from 15 – 19 April, 2020was postponedhoping that the COVID-19 situation would improve and faircould be organized sometime in June/July.
Over 10,000 visitors, including 7000 overseas buyers and their representatives, were expected to turn up for the show which was to host over 3200 exhibitors displaying best of the Indian handicrafts from all across the country. Handicraft being cluster based activity,the exports from major craft clusters like Moradabad, Saharanpur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Narsapur, Firozabad, North-eastern region and many others is going to be affected with the cancellation of this fair.
The 50th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn will be organized from 14-18 October 2020 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida in Delhi NCR.
AYUSH
Three Patents filed by NMPB, MoA as part of sponsored research projects
The National Medicinal Plants Board , Ministry of AYUSH has initiated a special drive to identify the patentable projects which were / are sponsored under the ‘Research and Development Component’ of Central Sector Scheme  on “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants”. NMPB generally sponsors various R&D programs under CSS to both government as well as private organizations across the country.
Under these sponsored / financially supported research projects, NMPB so far identified three unique projects which are novel in nature and patentable. They are:  Bio-production of secondary metabolites from Aegle marmelos which is commonly known as Bel ;  In vitro production of secondary metabolites from tree species of Dashmoola  through hairy root cultures ; and  Development of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents from Dioscoria floribunda . While the first two projects belong to the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding , Coimbatore, the third project was carried out by Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow. The CIMAP filed patent is titled as “A synergistic polyherbal formulation exhibiting potential cancer activity.”
The CEO-NMPB reiterated that this is just the humble beginning for NMPB’s team and will file more patents in the coming times. The Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH congratulated the NMPB team for filing three patent applications in collaboration with the partner organizations.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Welfare of Senior Citizens under Sacred
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched scheme namely Senior Able Citizen for Re-employment in Dignity  for the purpose of bringing the employment seeker senior citizens through SACRED portal.
- 4527 Senior Citizens have registered on SACRED portal.
- 63 Senior Citizens have applied through SACRED portal for employment from 16 states/UTs so far. State/UT-wise details of no. of senior citizens registered and applied under Senior Able Citizen for Re-employment in Dignity  are given at Annexure.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the scheme namely Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana  for welfare of senior citizens which has the following components/sub-schemes :
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens 
- State Action Plan for Senior Citizens 
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana 
- Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity 
- Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction 
- Senior-care Ageing Growth Engine - Silver economy for Senior Citizens
- Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizen
- Channelizing the CSR fund for elderly care
- Training and capacity building for senior citizens.
Annexure
|
|
Annexure referred to part  in reply to the Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2050 to be answered on 03.08.2022
|
|
State-wise details of number of senior citizens registered and applied under Senior Able Citizen for Re-employment in Dignity  as on 01.08.2022
|
|
Sl. No
|
|
State / UTs
|
|
No. of senior citizens Registered on SACRED Portal
|
|
No. of senior citizens Applied for employment on SACRED Portal
|
|
1
|
|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
|
|
267
|
|
0
|
|
2
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
98
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
40
|
|
0
|
|
4
|
|
Assam
|
|
26
|
|
0
|
|
5
|
|
Bihar
|
|
91
|
|
3
|
|
6
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
17
|
|
0
|
|
7
|
|
Chhattishgarh
|
|
21
|
|
1
|
|
8
|
|
Dadar and Nagar Haveli
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
9
|
|
Daman and Diu
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
10
|
|
Delhi
|
|
340
|
|
4
|
|
11
|
|
Goa
|
|
13
|
|
0
|
|
12
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
102
|
|
1
|
|
13
|
|
Haryana
|
|
137
|
|
2
|
|
14
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
21
|
|
0
|
|
15
|
|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
18
|
|
0
|
|
16
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
58
|
|
1
|
|
17
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
218
|
|
0
|
|
18
|
|
Kerala
|
|
421
|
|
5
|
|
19
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
|
7
|
|
0
|
|
20
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
126
|
|
2
|
|
21
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
379
|
|
5
|
|
22
|
|
Manipur
|
|
4
|
|
0
|
|
23
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
24
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
5
|
|
0
|
|
25
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
5
|
|
0
|
|
26
|
|
Odisha
|
|
59
|
|
1
|
|
27
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
6
|
|
0
|
|
28
|
|
Punjab
|
|
47
|
|
0
|
|
29
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
61
|
|
2
|
|
30
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
2
|
|
0
|
|
31
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
286
|
|
5
|
|
32
|
|
Telangana
|
|
137
|
|
3
|
|
33
|
|
Tripura
|
|
7
|
|
0
|
|
34
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
67
|
|
0
|
|
35
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
854
|
|
21
|
|
36
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
581
|
|
4
|
|
Total
|
|
4527
|
|
63
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
GI Tag for Alphonso from Konkan
Alphonso from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, is registered as Geographical Indication . A Geographical Indication or a GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality. Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and TirupatiLaddus are some of the GIs.
GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. Our rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted.
Recently, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu, launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications  of India and said that the GI will give the rightful share in the intellectual property to the artisan and the place of origin of the product. He emphasised that it’s an area of strength and optimism for India, whereby GI tag has given protection to a large number of hand-made and manufactured products, especially in the informal sector.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has taken several initiatives in this regard and is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs with a vision to enhance the horizon both socially and economically for GI producers.
The king of mangoes, Alphonso, better known as ‘Hapus’ in Maharashtra, is in demand in domestic and international markets not only for its taste but also for pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour. It has long been one of the world's most popular fruit and is exported to various countries including Japan, Korea and Europe. New markets such as USA and Australia have recently opened up.
The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004. There are a total of 325productsfrom India that carry this indication.
Ministry of Tourism
Union Tourism Minister visits Hotel Ashok to review preparedness on the first day of its opening since lockdown
ITDC staff given rigorous training around health and safety protocols pertaining to Covid-19: Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Shri Prahalad Singh Patel visited Hotel Ashok , run by ITDC , under Ministry of Tourism to take stock of preparedness of ITDC Hotels subsequent to the order issued by The Delhi Disaster Management Authority , permitting hotels to operate in Delhi on 24th August. India Tourism Development Corporation  announced the re-opening of its hotels in the state capital from 24th of August 2020.
While talking about re-opening of hotels, the Minister said “Opening of the two biggest segments of the tourism industry viz hotels and restaurants in the country's capital is a positive move that will help push domestic travel and give much relief to the industry. DDMA’s decision is a welcome step towards the revival of tourism and hospitality activities in the capital city.”
While interacting with media, Shri Patel intimated that ITDC has provided rigorous training around the health and safety protocols pertaining to COVID-19 to its entire staff and has developed a detailed SOP for each and every division. ITDC has also signed an MOU with AIIMS to form an advisory body to monitor the situation of COVID-19 on real time basis and take necessary steps as and when needed.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs had permitted to start the hotel, restaurant, and hospitality services in the tourism sector from June 8, 2020, in a phased manner. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had issued SOPs/Protocols for the operation of Hotels, Restaurants & other accommodation Units and Ministry of Tourism had subsequently come up with Operational Guidelines for Hotels, Restaurants & other accommodation units which were circulated countrywide.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Recycling of e-Waste
The Government has taken a number of steps to formalise the e-waste recycling sector of the country. The E-Waste  Rules, 2016 provide for compulsory registration of the recycling units and Central Pollution Control Board  has issued guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures  for processing of e-waste. The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards  have been monitoring the units and necessary steps have been taken to mainstream and modernise the recycling industry with the help of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The E-Waste  Rules, 2016 also provide for recognition and registration, skill development, monitoring and ensuring safety and health, of workers involved in dismantling and recycling of e-waste.
Under the E-Waste Management Rules, provision for reduction of hazardous substances in manufacturing of Electrical and Electronic Equipment  has been provided. It mandates that every producer of EEE and their components shall ensure that their products do not contain lead, mercury and other hazardous substances beyond the maximum prescribed concentration.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change,Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Concept Note' for a Comprehensive Scheme for Transgenders
The Government has approved a comprehensive scheme named "Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise " which includes a sub- scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
The guidelines of the scheme on finalization will be put up on the website.
The Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise  scheme focuses on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities and intervention, counseling, education, skill development, economic linkages to the transgender persons.
This information was given by The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri. A. Narayanaswamy in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
List of projects sanctioned under NESIDS
During the last two financial years i.e. 2019-20 and 2020-21, 54 projects worth Rs.1320.49 crore have been sanctioned under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme , which is a 100% Central funded Central Sector Scheme. The state-wise details of projects sanctioned are as under:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State
|
|
Sanctioned projects
|
|
Number of projects
|
|
Cost 
|
|
1.
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
7
|
|
182.89
|
|
2.
|
|
Assam
|
|
13
|
|
397.85
|
|
3.
|
|
Manipur
|
|
5
|
|
111.06
|
|
4.
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
3
|
|
59.16
|
|
5.
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
4
|
|
61.35
|
|
6.
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
13
|
|
233.68
|
|
7.
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
2
|
|
46.45
|
|
8.
|
|
Tripura
|
|
7
|
|
228.05
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
54
|
|
1320.49
For timely completion of the projects, various steps for strengthening monitoring mechanism have been undertaken by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. These inter-alia, include payment through Public Financial Management System; Geo-tagging of project sites; monitoring of physical progress through geo-tagged photographs; ‘just in time‘ release of funds linked to physical and financial progress and inspection of major projects by Technical Wing of the Ministry.
Under the NESIDS funds are allocated to States on the basis of Normative Allocation in the beginning of the Financial Year. Projects that enhance tourism through physical infrastructure projects relating to water supply, power and connectivity; and projects to upgrade social infrastructure for primary and secondary education and health are covered. Candidate projects under these identified sectors are required to be duly prioritized by the State Governments with the approval of the competent authority, before being considered for sanction and eventual funding under NESIDS.
This information was given by Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Textiles
Modernisation of Jute Mills
Keeping in mind the need to modernise the jute mills by increasing their productivity and to replace the old machines by new and technologically advanced machines, National Jute Board  has been implementing schemes for modernization of jute industry. The scheme has been instrumental in bringing new investment to the industry.
The ISAPM scheme has been launched in 2013 with an incentive @20% of the cost of machineries to jute mills and 30% to the MSME –JDP units. During 2014-15 to 2018-19, capital subsidy amounting to Rs. 4971.19 lakhhas been released to jute mills and JDP units.
Ten composite jute manufacturing units have been establishedin the last five years.
The effective installed capacity of the industry is around 16.5 lakh metric tonne and around 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of jute goods is produced in the country. The difference in the production and capacity is due to labour related issues including shortage of labour.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
ONGC organizes study tour, stokes passion among Gen-Next for nation building
In line with the observance of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, ONGC organized a study trip for students of Godavari Institute of Engineering & Technology  of Rajahmundry to its Mini Refinery at Tatipaka and Gas Collecting Station at Kesanapalli. The trips were organized during 5 to 9 October 2021, in five groups of around 25 students each. The trips are aimed at providing the students with an insight of various oil-field operations of ONGC, to inculcate a passion among the budding engineers for nation building efforts.
ONGC executives explaining oil-field operations to engineering students
Senior engineers of ONGC apprised the students of the functioning of production installation where crude oil, natural gas and water are obtained from wells and separated and treated. Students were explained how after treatment, Oil & Gas is sent to Tatipaka refinery and GAIL respectively. The technical nuances of the oil industry stoked curiosity among the engineering students.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas , ONGC is organizing study visits of 25 groups, comprising of around 100 students in each group, during September 2021 to January 2022, under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ . Under this AKAM, ONGC is also collaborating with other oil PSUs, to launch various projects to boost the country’s indigenous handicraft sector. Centre public enterprises under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas will be launching 75 different handicraft projects across the country till 15 August 2022. Among which, ONGC has taken the lead and is supporting 15 projects.